Tony Kofi and The Organisation ‘Point Blank’ CD (The Last Music Company) 4/5

The origins of The Organisation go back over a decade now, growing initially from guitarist Simon Fernsby’s memorable Manhattan Project sessions, which were a staple of jazz in South London throughout the 2000’s. Drummer Pete Cater was an early recruit and the band went through several incarnations, finally coming into its own with the addition of organist Pete Whittaker as they went on to hone a no-nonsense, hard-hitting style as a house rhythm section for multiple venues and festivals.

Recorded in 2017 by Paul Riley, the retro sound of Point Blank harks back to the sound and feel of the 70’s. “I don’t think I set out to create a retro concept” says saxophonist Kofi, “But it’s mostly what I hear in my head and also because I grew up in the 1970’s, the music of that era which I love is deeply rooted within my musical ear.”

The quartet on this recording; Tony Kofi on baritone sax, Pete Whittaker on organ, Pete Cater on drums and Simon Fernsby on guitar, combine the bluesy-soul-jazz side of the Hammond cannon, with their knowledge of the more modern post-bop side of the repertoire, all of which works very well with Kofi’s intuitive baritone sax playing.

The album’s title “Point Blank” was inspired by John Boorman’s classic 1967 movie of the same name, which starred Lee Marvin in one of his most memorable screen roles. And if the movie ever gets remade, Point Blank the album would make an apt soundtrack.